Portsmouth 25th - 26th July 26
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This summer, in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with a host of events and a 100 things to see and do - one of the highlights is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront, perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore - on from the 13 July - 13 September (F). It's the final weekend of the Basingstoke Festival 4 - 5 July, with street theatre, acrobatics, and world-class performances - free to visit (F), whilst in East Hampshire now is the perfect time to visit the beautiful Lavender Fields near Alton. In Winchester, the brand new outdoor Play Wild opens at Winchester Science Centre from the 18 July, inviting curiosity and discovery through science and nature-themed play.
Get your skates on down to Southampton's RollerLand at Westquay, for roller skating lessons, regular and late skate sessions this summer, 17 - 30 August, plus the chance to enjoy some retail therapy at more 70 stores, including John Lewis. The fantastic fast and furious British Motor Show returns to Farnborough from 21 - 23 August, with supercars, a test-driving zone, pit lane experience and festival fields. If you book before the 16 August you can save up to 20% on ticket prices.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 127
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Festival
University Road, Southampton
One of the longest-standing science festivals in Europe, welcoming over 10,000 visitors each year, the British Science Festival comes to the University of Southampton this September.
Heritage & History
Waterloville
A contingent from the Butser IX Roman Legion will be in residence around the Roman Villa at Butser Ancient Farm with demonstrations, roman cooking, crafts, games and more.
Music
Winchester
Immerse yourself in the original, psychedelic, full dome Planetarium visualisation of Pink Floyd's iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon at Winchester Science Centre.
Workshop
Sandown
Step into the world of wildlife photography right here at the Sanctuary with our new Bear Photography Workshops — enjoy a half-day experience designed especially for beginners and keen amateurs.
Music
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday October 2
6:30pm
Musical talent meets delicious fine dining at this exciting event, where the Hawk Conservancy Trust's Head Chef will be serving up a delectable three-course meal accompanied by live music from Jake Ward! The Hampshire-based…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ringwood
Stop scrolling Go Ape! On a staycation in Dorset or Hampshire and searching for nearby activities? We've got you covered, right in the heart of the stunning Moors Valley Country Park. Go Ape is one of the best outdoor activities in the area
Tour
Ryde
Enjoy a day out to Windsor from the Isle of Wight with Hovertravel. Explore the quaint cobbled streets with independent shops and eateries and take a stroll along the Long Walk. Your ticket includes your day return flight on the hovercraft and…
Free Event
Portsmouth
Get your bag for life ready — there’s never been a more exciting time to shop the market.
Cycling
Beaulieu, Brockenhurst
Offering full-day adult bike hire only, New Forest Activities offer bike sizes from XS to XL. It’s ideal for couples, adult groups and families with teens who want a relaxed but active day out in the New Forest.
Sporting Event
Cowes
Isle of Wight sailing race The annual Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight. The race regularly attracts over 1,000 boats and thousands of sailors, making it one of the largest…
Festival
Ryde
Steampunk Festival fun on the Isle of Wight Join us to find out what all the excitement is about for the biggest and best Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival 2026 in Ryde. There will be two full days of splendidness between the 18 and 20 September!…
Outdoor Event / Activities
West End, Southampton
Stop scrolling Go Ape! Searching for things to do in Hampshire this summer holiday? Head to Go Ape Southampton for an unforgettable outdoor adventure that's perfect for reconnecting with nature and each other.
Tour
Ryde
For a unique experience only offered on the South Coast, try a Hovercraft Experience Flights on your next visit to Portsmouth or the Isle of Wight
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday December 4, Saturday 5, Friday 11, Saturday 12
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
Kick off the festive season with a magical evening with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's owls! They'll be flying their awesome owls under moonlight…
Festival
Ovington, Alresford
A world of unity, creativity & freedom, Boomtown Fair is a four day festival set in the Matterley bowl in Hampshire, UK on the second weekend of August. Boomtown fuses a diverse line-up of underground and global music with boundary pushing immersive…
Halloween
Brockenhurst
Pay a visit to New Forest Activities in Hampshire this Halloween for a wonderfully spooky twist on an archery session. Using weapons of old; vampires, werewolves and zombies will be your new targets. Plus to add an extra challenge, you'll get to…
Show / Display
Winchester
Winchester Science Centre welcomes visitors to immerse themselves in the most visited multisensory experience in the world as Van Gogh Alive brings his masterpieces to life, giving you the sensation of being amongst his paintings.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Running over the October half term, Saturday October 24 – Sunday November 1
10:00am-5:30pm
Over the October half term enjoy an autumnal day out in the Hampshire countryside, surrounded by the beauty of nature as the seasons change, and the Hawk…
Festival
Portsea
Coffee on the Coast is a one day specialty coffee festival in Portsmouth, bringing together roasters, industry experts, and coffee lovers.
Water Based Activities
Beaulieu
Beaulieu River Tours with New Forest Activities are great for those looking for a good amount of time out on the water.
Paddle down the Beaulieu River in the stable 'Canadian style' canoes and explore the history, wildlife of this beautiful part of…
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